Agenda item

THE SUMMARY DECISION OF THE LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE (“Committee”) 7 JULY 2021

Quick Commerce Limited, 210 High Road, East Finchley, London, N2 9AY (“the Premises”)

The Committee considered an application for the grant of a premises licence under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003.

The application is for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday to Sunday 00:00 hours to 24:00 hours.  The Premises are not currently licensed. 

The Sub-Committee must consider whether or not the Applicant can positively promote the licensing objectives in the local area. 

Submissions were made by Mr Robert Botkai, representative for the Applicant, Mr Joseph Falter- Director of Quick Commerce.  One objection was received from a member of the public; however, the objector did not attend the hearing.  No other representations were received from any other responsible authorities or members of the public.  No objections were received from the Police due to the Applicant having agreed a number of conditions prior to the hearing.

The Applicant’s company is called Zap, they have 17 stores in different areas. The company operates like a convenience store however in these circumstances the convenience store is online. The customers cannot physically attend the premises to purchase goods and orders are made through their app. The goods are delivered to the customers’ homes via the company’s riders.

The Applicant applied for a 24-hour licence, the reason for their 24-hour licence is that the company can process orders and deliveries are made between 18:00 to 08:00. The Applicant advised that they are aware of the objection made by the resident and had attempted to make efforts through the licensing officer to start communication with the resident however the resident did not engage. The concern from the resident, is how they will deliver to their customers, the Applicant’s vehicles being parked in the front of the store therefore causing noise nuisance to residents. The Sub-Committee were advised that the company has a rear yard, where riders can place their bikes. The company uses electric bikes which reduces the noise nuisance.

The Sub-Committee made enquiries regarding the Applicant’s 17 other stores and whether they have received complaints from residents and/or police. The Applicant advised that they did in the past receive complaints however when dealing with the complaints they approached residents to discuss and resolve the issues complained of, as it important for them to have a positive impact on the community.

The Sub-Committee made enquiries regarding the operation of the company. The representative advised that the company hires their own staff who are provided with uniform, and training, which is on-going, in particular training sessions on the challenge 25 policy. They further advised that if a customer purchases alcohol from their app and/or site, the customer must confirm that they are over the age of 18. Their drivers must see valid identification from the customer to finalise the delivery of the alcohol, failure to provide valid identification would result in the sale being refused.

In terms of the concern of riders loitering around the premises whilst awaiting orders and/or deliveries, the Applicant advised that there is a designated waiting area for their riders and there are facilities for them to use such as toilets and refreshments. The premises waiting area for riders can hold between 8-10 riders at one time.

The Sub-Committee considered all written and oral representations, as well as the relevant statutory legislation, statutory guidance, licensing objectives and Barnet’s Licensing Policy.

In summary, the Sub-Committee decided, after taking into account all of the circumstances of this case and the promotion of the four licensing objectives, to grant the application for the provision of the supply of alcohol off the Premises Monday to Sunday 00:00 hours to 24:00 hours.

If issues arise regarding any of the licensing objectives, in particular in relation to noise, and anti-social behaviour, recourse is available by way of a review of the Premises licence.

Right to Appeal

Any party aggrieved with the decision of the Licensing Panel on one or more grounds set out in schedule 5 of Licensing Act 2003 may appeal to the Magistrate’s Court within 21 days of notification of this decision.